Latest Articles
ABSTRACT
The VACTERL association refers to a collection of congenital anomalies that typically affect the vertebral column (V), anus (A), cardiovascular system (C), tracheoesophageal structures (TE), renal and urinary tract (R), and limbs (L). The diagnosis is considered when a patient has defects in at least three of these systems. This multisystem disorder can be life-threatening if not identified and managed early. Prompt and thorough evaluation is crucial to reduce long-term complications and morbidity. Here, we describe the case of a neonate born from a twin pregnancy at 38 weeks’ gestation, with antenatal findings of severe polyhydramnios and a single umbilical artery and vein. This report focuses on the imaging characteristics of congenital cardiac, skeletal, and tracheoesophageal abnormalities in this infant.
ABSTRACT
Hematopoiesis refers to the generation and maturation of blood cells. In adults, this process predominantly takes place within the bone marrow of long bones, vertebrae, and ribs. During fetal development, however, hematopoiesis primarily occurs in the yolk sac, liver, and spleen. When hematopoiesis shifts from the bone marrow to other sites in the body, it is termed extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH). This phenomenon often arises in individuals with hematologic disorders such as thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, where normal bone marrow function is impaired. Here, we describe a case of a young adult male with beta-thalassemia who presented with complaints of shortness of breath and palpitations persisting for one month. This report highlights the imaging features of extramedullary hematopoiesis identified in this patient.
ABSTRACT
Hydatid disease, caused by the Echinococcus species, commonly affects the liver and lungs. Muscular involvement is rare, accounting for less than 5% of cases due to factors such as muscle contractility and lactic acid content that make it an unfavourable environment for the parasite. Intramuscular hydatid cysts are often misdiagnosed due to their rarity and nonspecific presentation. In this study we report a rare case of a 64 year-old male patient presenting with a slowly enlarging, painless swelling in the antero-lateral aspect of thigh region. Imaging studies including ultrasound and MRI revealed a cystic lesion with features suggestive of a hydatid cyst. Serological testing supported the diagnosis. The patient underwent surgical excision of the cyst with care to avoid spillage, followed by antiparasitic therapy with albendazole. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis.
ABSTRACT
Thoracopagus twins, a rare and complex form of conjoined twins joined at the thorax, present significant challenges and medical considerations. This abstract reviews the ultrasound imaging findings of thoracopagus twins at 27 weeks of gestation, focusing on prenatal diagnosis and potential clinical implications. Detailed ultrasound examinations reveal shared thoracic structures, including the heart and major blood vessels, as well as individual variations in organ development. Understanding these imaging findings aids in prenatal counselling, delivery planning, and postnatal care coordination, emphasizing the multidisciplinary approach necessary for optimal maternal and fetal outcomes.
ABSTRACT
Monomelic amyotrophy, known as Hirayama disease, is a rare neurological condition that mostly affects young men. It is characterized by distal muscle atrophy and asymmetric weakness in the upper limbs, which are typically brought on by dynamic cervical spinal cord compression. We report a rare case of Hirayama disease in 2024 who is a 27-year-old male patient presented with weakness of right upper limb for the past 3 months and wrist drop involving right hand for the past three weeks. Clinical examination, lab investigation, nerve conduction study and flexion MRI of cervical spine was done. MRI findings, particularly focal atrophy and asymmetrical spinal cord flattening at the C4-C6 level, were key in confirming the diagnosis and guiding treatment decision. Imaging findings played a pivotal role in the diagnosis and management of Hirayama disease in this patient. His condition improved due to early intervention with immunosuppressive therapy, physiotherapy and regular follow up.
ABSTRACT
Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the talus and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) are uncommon conditions affecting the ankle joint, each with distinct pathophysiologies and clinical implications. The talus’s unique vascular anatomy renders it susceptible to AVN, especially in the setting of trauma or compromised vascular supply. OCD, conversely, is typically linked to repetitive microtrauma leading to subchondral bone fragmentation and cartilage instability. Their simultaneous occurrence is exceedingly rare and presents diagnostic as well as therapeutic challenges. We report the case of a 46-year-old female who presented with progressive pain and tenderness over the ventral aspect of the ankle, aggravated by weight-bearing activities. Imaging with radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed features consistent with avascular necrosis of the anterior talus and a displaced osteochondral fragment over the medial talar dome, suggestive of OCD (Stage IV – Berndt and Harty classification).
ABSTRACT
Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus or, less commonly, Echinococcus multilocularis. It remains a significant public health concern in endemic areas, particularly in the Mediterranean region. Due to its non-specific clinical presentation and the often inconclusive nature of standard laboratory tests, diagnosis can be challenging. The liver is the most commonly affected organ, involved in approximately 70% of cases, while pulmonary involvement occurs in about 25%, due to larvae bypassing hepatic filtration. Renal involvement is relatively uncommon, accounting for 2–4% of all hydatid cyst cases, with isolated kidney involvement being extremely rare, seen in only 1.9% of cases. Here, we report a rare case of an isolated renal hydatid cyst in a pediatric patient, in whom the diagnosis was delayed due to its atypical presentation.
